River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-10-20
ECONOMY IN DRESS.
A Problena Easy 10 Discuss, but Very DIFF
ficult 10 Solve.


A Problem Easy 20 Discuss, but Very DIFF
hcult 10 Solve.
The problem Of dressing economical
ly is one that most women have to
solve. Although good dress is not neees-
sarily expensive, yet it takes money to
DO wisely economical Some one gays
that lady should choose first the be-
coming. then the good. and last the
fashionable in dress, considering her.
age. station and points" 1t is we'll.
from the point of economy. to decide
upon a certain style OF dress and sd-
here to it. When limited range Of
beco ming colors has been fixed upon.
it is much easier to oembire the two
old dresses into one and to use up odds
and ends successfully.
A few people affect permanent
style copied from some old picture;
several good dresses may then last for
years without need of change. But
the greater number of women who
study economy dress in black, which
is cheap. becoming. liked by most gen.
tlemen. and sanctioned by those artists
in inexpensive living-the French"
Every one has heard Of the English
lady who always dressed in rich black
velvet and antique lace and yet spent
less than her neighbour She accom-
plished this miracle by having .hree
velvet dresses of different degreus Of
nowness. and buying one every five
years. A certain New York lady al
ways wore black silk. declaring it was
cheaper and more satisfactory than
any other dress. Old ladies should
certainly adopt permanent subdued
style of dress. Unhealthy dress is al
ways extravaganza. Heavy skirts.
tight waists and Louis Quinzc boots
bring expensive doctors bills. IT is
an economy TO have a few dresses that
will meet all emergencies; there are
less to be kept in order and made over.
A real lady would be satisfied with a
few things. good of their kind. Hand
some lace, a fine jewel Of cameo. an In
dia shawl will last lifetime and be
an economy in the end.
Wash dresses are by no means eco.
nomical unless laundry is kept in
the house. Black wraps, and bonnets
to 60 with all ones dresses. save
trouble and expense. One ought not
to save on shoes. gloves and corsets.
as they should always be we'll cut and
in good condition. The beauty of a
gown depends not upon its price, but
on its cut and color; cashmere is one
of the prettiest as we'll as one of the
cheapest materials, and COM. in the
most beautiful colors. Whether or
not a general style Of dress has been
decided upon, the economist will al
ways buy with judgment. She will
consider what she has and what she
needs, often planning one dress to
answer for several occasions. She
will avoid novelties as too noticeable
for her limited and long-enduring
wardrobe. and follow only the gen.
eral direction of fashions dictates.
She will understand all the secrets
of ''bargains. remnants" and
buying at the end of season
when goods are reduced" but she
will never buy any thing merely be-
cause it is ''cheap" or because the
salesman assures her it is just what
she wants. She always gets good
materials, knowing they cost less in
the end, and gives preference to those
noted for their durability, as Scotch
cheviots and India silks. She will
prefer French underwear with its deli
cate hand-wrought sewing and en-
broidery to garments loaded with
Hamburg edging and cheap lace, and
she will know that antique laces last
twice as long and are twice as hand
some as the modern article. Before
buying a color to place near her face.
our prudent woman will test its eff
feet upon her hand and draw her con-
illusions; if a vivid green makes her
hand pale and sallow. it will have q
similar effect upon her face.
Oh course. the woman who can make
her own clothes saves great deal;
materials are cheap. but making is
not. Many ladies make their own
summer dresses. but employ dress
maker for handsome costumes; in this
case it is economy to select a thorough
ly good workwoman, even if some
what expensive. but to see that she
does not choose wasteful fashions or
recklessly squander her material. A
well cut and made garment wears
longer and is always satisfaction.
The tailor suits of the present day arc
wonderfully suitable and economical
for street wear An old suit for bad
day saves the better one. and an oil
black silk is n treasure. Il is hard to
tell just when dress should be made
over" only can decide.
A thrifty young woman OF my ac-
quaintance never has a dress which
can not be washed; her wool dresses
come from the wash-tub "as
good as new" Velvet waists and
pretty neck arrangements and hand
kerchiefs fresheu up old skirts. The
old things should be used in preference
to buying new ones. Aprons save
dresses; a jersey substituted for the
dress waist under wrap is economy.
and so is the combination Of an old
skirt and fresh waist under long gar
ment for theater wear.
In fact economy has a thousand lit
tie tricks to save. Have several pairs
of shoes on hand and the same of
gloves, giving preference to the usual
tan color If you can make your own
bonnets, always buy the best velvet
and wear it several seasons with lite
tie change. Expensive ruching which
can not be washed is more extravagant
tnan fine lace. DO not wear white
skirts on the street One need not
fear being known" by dress, pro-
vided it is good. BY all means keep
your wardrobe in first rate repair,
leaving no hole or rip unmended.
A. NJ Turner, IN Good Roxsekeep-
ing.